Another week, another Celtic performance clouded by refereeing controversy, despite a 3-0 victory over Motherwell.
Brendan Rodgers’ side eventually found their rhythm, but the game’s talking point centred around a contentious penalty decision that had former boss Neil Lennon and pundit James McFadden at odds.
The match at Fir Park began with a nervy start for Celtic. Motherwell, buoyed by an energetic display, twice struck the woodwork in the opening half, threatening to put the champions on the back foot.
However, once Celtic broke the deadlock, they found their groove, comfortably securing the win. Alistair Johnston, wearing the captain’s armband in Callum McGregor’s absence, and Adam Iday found the net to ensure all three points for Rodgers’ men.
Despite the scoreline, much of the post-match discussion revolved around the first-half incident involving Daizen Maeda and Motherwell’s Stephen O’Donnell.
Celtic fans and Lennon were left frustrated when the referee opted not to award a penalty for O’Donnell’s challenge on Maeda. The decision was particularly contentious given Maeda’s run into the box, but the officials saw no reason to point to the spot.
On Sky Sports, James McFadden gave his assessment, arguing the incident was not clear-cut.
“I’m not sure. I think it’s tough to see just how much contact there is,” he said.
“Stephen O’Donnell is running and he doesn’t deviate from where his target is. Maeda runs into him and gets there before O’Donnell. I think if the referee awards a penalty kick, it’s not being overturned.
“I don’t think there is enough in that to tell the referee 100% that’s a penalty. It’s the right decision to chop the goal off because it’s handball into the back of the net. I just don’t know if there’s enough—it’s not my Motherwell bias, I just don’t know if there’s enough to overturn it. I’m not sure.”
However, Lennon was quick to disagree, arguing that the referee had got it wrong.
“I just think Maeda’s running at speed. Stephen comes across him and bumps him, he’s taking a touch, and he’s scoring. He comes across him, and for me, it should have been given as a penalty.”
The heated exchange between Lennon and McFadden reflected the frustration among many Celtic supporters, with Lennon refusing to back down and standing firm in his defence of the Hoops on national television.
With the victory, Celtic cemented their place at the top of the Scottish Premiership table, building momentum ahead of a crucial midweek fixture card.
The pressure now shifts to Rangers, as Philippe Clement’s side faces Aberdeen on Wednesday. A win for the Dons would put them nine points clear of Rangers, further complicating matters at Ibrox just before the international break.
As the season progresses, the title race is beginning to take shape, and Celtic fans have every reason to feel optimistic. With Rodgers’ men back on track, the Bhoys look ready to defend their crown, setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting few weeks in Scottish football.